John Beasley Park is a large beach park on Okaloosa Island with 2 dune walkovers to the Gulf of Mexico. This park has 2 large pavilions, 12 picnic tables, an octagonal platform, restrooms with changing rooms and 208 parking spaces.
A Little History….
John C. Beasley moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1941 from Montgomery, Alabama. He was noted for being active in civic organizations and government, including his donation of time and effort toward community advancement. John Beasley died in 1957 at the age of 47. Three years later, the newly-opened Park was dedicated and named for John C. Beasley.
John Beasley Park was considered the only black beach in Northwest Florida during the era of segregation. It was known as a Park where black citizens could enjoy the Gulf while being banned from other recreation areas.